:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68949503/972735854.0.jpg)
As the start of free agency closes in, the number of offensive line options for the Bengals continues to grow dramatically.
That reached a new level today as the Kansas City Chiefs released not one but two major offensive tackles in Eric Fisher and Mitchell Schwartz.
Arguably the best offensive tackle duo in the NFL (they were ranked fifth by Pro Football Focus coming into the season), Fisher and Schwartz will immediately become two of the most intriguing tackles to hit the open market this offseason, though both will have major injuries they’re recovering from.
Schwartz, one of the best right tackles in the NFL when healthy, missed 10 games last season due to a back injury. He recently underwent back surgery, so there is a concern as to how effective he’ll be next season when he’ll be 32 years old.
Schwartz earned All-Pro honors in 2018 and finished this past season with a 74.7 Pro Football Focus.
Fisher, the No. 1 overall pick in 2013, has spent his entire career with the Chiefs while earning two Pro Bowl berths. He finished this past season with an 80.0 PFF grade but suffered a torn Achilles in the AFC Championship game.
Achilles injuries are always tough to come back from, and Fisher is currently projected to return around August. At 30 years old, he’s probably not getting a huge contract with his next team, but he could end up being the biggest steal of free agency this year if he gets back to form next season.
So, should the Bengals kick the tires on either of these guys?